Chappell Roan raises funds for queer youth at Shrine benefit show
The pop star headlined two nights of the Super Graphic Spectacular in Los Angeles, a fundraiser for her LGBTQ+-focused foundation, with guest appearances from Christina Aguilera and PinkPantheress.
Chappell Roan filled the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles for two nights of the Super Graphic Spectacular, a fundraising concert series that benefited The Midwest Princess Project, her foundation supporting transgender youth and the LGBTQ+ community. The Thursday night show drew just over 6,000 attendees. All proceeds from both evenings went to the organization, which in its first year had supported over 60 organizations and raised more than $800,000.
The performances, sponsored by CashApp and Visa, featured sets from Caroline Polachek, MUNA, Alisa Mae, Fantasia Royale Gaga and Sweat Eddie before Roan’s roughly 70-minute headline set. Comedian Caleb Hearon hosted and performed alongside MUNA. On Thursday night, Roan brought out PinkPantheress, the British pop star, who performed “Tonight” while Roan danced onstage with her band. On the opening night, Christina Aguilera joined Roan for a rendition of Aguilera’s “Beautiful” and a duet of “Coffee.”
Setlist and stage presence
Roan opened her set with “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl” and leaned heavily on her album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, mixing in newer songs like “The Subway,” “Good Luck, Babe!” and “The Giver,” which she dedicated to “all the top lesbians out there.” She brought Lola Young, an opening-night performer, back onstage for a duet of “Picture You,” one of Roan’s less-charted songs that became a highlight of the evening.
The singer’s performance showcased her signature candor and humor. She pointed out straight audience members in the front row with good-natured jokes and later rushed to reassure them during one of the songs. Near the show’s end, she directed the crowd’s attention to the mezzanine to note that her mother was in attendance during “Pink Pony Club,” a moment that drew a large cheer from the room. She closed the night with a remix of an Olivia Rodrigo song, “Expectations,” before finishing with “Pink Pony Club.”
Stage styling
Roan performed in a series of theatrical outfits that matched the gothic aesthetic of her stage design. One notable ensemble paired a mossy green duster robe embroidered with abstract foliage over a pink babydoll dress with lace-trimmed bodice and nature-inspired embroidery. She wore champagne-colored Jimmy Choo Vanessa pumps with a stiletto heel, lace-up ankle detailing and a metallic finish that coordinated with the golden tones in her lingerie-inspired dress. Roan also styled the same shoes with a burlesque-inspired two-piece mini-dress featuring gold embellishments paired with a dusty pink robe.
Foundation milestone
The Super Graphic Spectacular marked the first anniversary of The Midwest Princess Project. Artists including Lola Young and Tinashe performed to commemorate the milestone.
This article was compiled by the Glamorade editorial desk from the official announcements and reporting listed under Sources.
